May 12th Webinar for the Viral Hepatitis Action Plan!!!!

Each May, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and its U.S. public health partners observe Hepatitis Awareness Month. Viral hepatitis affects an estimated 4.4 million people in the United States. To further increase awareness and improve the health outcomes of Americans, Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Health, Dr. Howard K. Koh, will release the report, Combating the Silent Epidemic: the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis on Thursday, May 12, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. ET, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. The press club event will be webcast live at: http://www.visualwebcaster.com/hepatitisplan

This Viral Hepatitis Action Plan—which was developed by an interagency working group in collaboration with professional societies, community-based organizations, and other members of the public—was created to address gaps in current viral hepatitis efforts as identified by the Institute of Medicine in its 2010 report on viral hepatitis and liver cancer. To facilitate significant progress in preventing and controlling viral hepatitis, the Viral Hepatitis Action Plan outlines specific goals, strategies, and actions to be undertaken by designated HHS agencies within a defined period of time. Partners also will continue to be engaged as the plan is implemented.

Successfully combating the silent epidemic of viral hepatitis will require collective action. CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP) works to integrate prevention opportunities, as persons at risk of acquiring hepatitis are often at risk of acquiring other NCHHSTP focus diseases. This type of collaboration is particularly important for viral hepatitis prevention; several of the populations hardest hit by viral hepatitis are also disproportionately affected by HIV—presenting multiple opportunities for integrating proven interventions. Together, we can take critical, concrete steps towards preventing viral hepatitis infections and improving the health of millions of infected Americans.

To learn more about the Viral Hepatitis Action Plan or Hepatitis Awareness Month, visit the Viral Hepatitis Web site and follow CDC's viral hepatitis Twitter account @CDChep.